Dear Friends and Colleagues,
Fast Track Cymru has had an incredibly active and vibrant summer filled with events, meetings, and community engagement. Among the highlights were our participation in EYST events across Wales and our involvement in over 20 Pride events, where we had the opportunity to connect with a diverse range of individuals and organisations.
OUR STORIES TOLD BY US
A particularly memorable moment from the last few months was our collaboration with Hub Cymru Africa on July 17th at Cardiff Library, where we hosted the inspiring authors of “Our Stories Told By Us.” This event was a tremendous success and attendees shared overwhelmingly positive feedback, noting that the event left them feeling empowered, enlightened, and educated. We highly recommend the book, which shines a spotlight on the African community’s vital contributions to the UK’s HIV response. We look forward to future collaborations with the “Our Stories Told By Us” team and are deeply grateful for their visit to Wales, where they shared their powerful stories with us. A special mention to Dr Alessandro Ceccarelli, the Cardiff Library staff, the Fast Track Cymru staff, and volunteers, for helping bring this event to Wales!
POLITICAL ENGAGEMENT
The past few months have brought significant political changes across Wales and the UK. In response, Fast Track Cymru has reached out to every Welsh MP and you can join us in spreading the word. We’ve provided a document that you can share with your local MP or other decision-makers in your area. This resource aims to raise awareness about the ongoing efforts to achieve zero HIV transmissions in Wales by 2030 and to educate them on the realities of HIV in the 21st century. Sharing these messages is vital for reducing HIV-related stigma and ensuring that key decision makers understand the critical role they can play in this mission.
WE NEED YOU!
In our efforts to expand our community consultations we are looking for people to become members of two new focus groups. You can influence the direction and effectiveness of our charity’s work while ensuring it is inclusive, effective, and responsive. You will be able to connect with others who are passionate about making a positive impact whilst having access to an array of events, international conferences, and more. Your capacity as a volunteer will be respected and there will be no pressure to attend anything beyond what you are comfortable with and able to contribute.
Find out more here: https://fasttrack.wales/focus-groups-to-shape-our-future
- Focus Group for People Living with HIV: Are you living with HIV? Your voice matters! Join our focus group to share your experiences, insights, and ideas. Your input will directly shape our programs and initiatives, ensuring they meet the needs of people living with HIV whilst raising awareness across Wales and combatting HIV-related Stigma. Together, we can make a difference and improve the support and services available to those living with HIV in Wales.
- Focus Group for the Global Majority Community: We are seeking members from the global majority community to join a new focus group. By participating, you’ll play a key role in shaping the work of Fast Track Cymru, ensuring it reflects the diverse needs and voices of the global majority community and how they are impacted by HIV. Please note you don’t have to be living with HIV to be part of this group.
- If you’re interested in joining either focus group, please contact us at fasttrackcities@hiv.wales
ANIMATIONS
Fast Track Cymru was able to support Public Health Wales in the creation of two animations to help educate healthcare professionals and the public on HIV as well as combat HIV-related stigma. Please, take a few minutes to watch them and share them across your professional and personal networks.
Watch the videos and find out more here: https://fasttrack.wales/animations-hiv-today/
CONFERENCE – UNITING FOR ZERO: A COLLABORATIVE APPROACH TO ENDING HIV TRANSMISSION IN WALES
Wrexham Y Cae Ras (Racecourse Ground), 25th October 2024.
Fast Track Cymru is excited to announce our inaugural National Conference, open to anyone connected to HIV in Wales. Whether you’re living with HIV, working as a clinician, pharmacist, or within the third sector and are passionate about achieving zero HIV transmissions in Wales and combatting HIV-related stigma, we warmly invite you to attend. We’re excited to feature guest speakers from across Wales and the wider UK who will lead discussions on a range of topics related to HIV in Wales. One key focus will be preparing for Wales HIV Testing Week ensuring you have the tools and knowledge to make the most of this impactful awareness campaign.
Spaces are free but limited, so be sure to register early at: https://buytickets.at/fasttrackcymru/1324149
WALES HIV TESTING WEEK 2024
Fast Track Cymru once again partners with Public Health Wales to design and deliver Wales HIV Testing Week on 18-24 November 2024. We will soon send resources and assets to our networks, and you can find out more here: https://phw.nhs.wales/topics/wales-hiv-testing-week/
Please make sure you are following all our social media to keep up to date with all our campaigns, projects, work, and initiatives, and if you want to get in touch to find out more send us an email at fasttrackcities@hiv.wales
With thanks and kind regards,
The Fast Track Cymru Team
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